A case-control study for exploring the association of Prakriti with Rheumatoid Arthritis

BACKGROUND: Deha-Prakriti (DP) is a unique contribution of Ayurveda, which distinguishes the population into three main groups viz., Vata, Pitta, and Kapha predominant individuals. Its assessment helps physicians to prescribe a suitable diet, daily regimen, and lifestyle that prevents non-communicable diseases. Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) is a disease that needs personalized management approach. AIM: To evaluate the association of DP with Amavata (∼Rheumatoid Arthritis). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate DP-based susceptibility in the manifestation of Amavata vis-à-vis Rheumatoid Arthritis. METHODOLOGY: A case–control study was conducted from 18.04.2018 to 09.01.2020, involving 150 cases (patients of Amavata), and 150 controls (healthy volunteers), matching in age (between 18 to 50 years), and sex, selected from Jamnagar. CCRAS-PAS for both the groups, Health Assessment proforma of TRISUTRA project CSIR-AYURGENOMICS, were used. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between DP and Amavata. RESULTS: The proportion of people with Vata dosha in the case group (53.79%) was substantially higher (P < 0.0001) than in the control group (24.91%). Pitta (39.35%) and Kapha (36.27%) doshas were found to be more prevalent in the control group (P < 0.0001). There was a six-percent rise in the likelihood of developing Amavata with every unit increase in Vata percentage, according to logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Vata predominant DP has a significant association with Amavata. Vata predominant DP individuals are more susceptible to Amavata than Pitta and Kapha predominant DP individuals.